LAPLACE — An anticipated budget amendment approval during Tuesday’s St. John the Baptist Parish Council meeting will kick start an initiative to enhance neighborhood vitality with the demolition of 11 hazardous properties.

During a January Parish Council meeting, members awarded a contract to DHL Contracting of Slidell for removal of the properties, all of which are uninhabited and in violation of Parish code.

If approved, the project will commence soon and last approximately 30 days, according to Planning and Zoning Director Alexandra Carter.

The following addresses will be affected: 129 Jessie Lane in Vacherie; 161 and 163 Captain G. Bourgeois St. and 237 Elm St. in LaPlace; 205 East 30th St. in Reserve; 457 South Little Hope St. in Garyville; 204 Daffodil St. and 205/207 Chestnut St. in Mt. Airy; and 127 Sixth St., 139 East Sixth St. and 160 Louisville Lane in Edgard.

St. John Parish officials do not anticipate any unusual impacts to public areas or roads since demolition work is limited to private properties.

Carter thanks the public for being responsive to Code Enforcement measures.

“In the past year, we’ve had more than 50 structures demolished as a result of the Code Enforcement Division’s efforts and residents taking responsibility for their properties,” Carter said.

“We encourage residents and business owners to continue to address violations and keep their properties clean and maintained. It’s time consuming and costly when property owners fail to address violations and, as a result, are summoned to appear at an Administrative Hearing.”

Funded by a Hurricane Isaac Community Block Grant, the project has a budget of approximately $85,000.

For a property to be identified as hazardous, it must present a threat to occupants, according to Carter.

Structurally unsafe or unsanitary buildings, fire hazards and structures presenting inadequacies in designated exits meet the criteria, as do buildings unsuitable for human habitation or original intended use.

If an abandoned property is structurally sound and secure, it may not be classified as hazardous, Carter said.

Removal of the unsafe properties is expected to reduce neighborhood blight and address public safety concerns. With continued effort, Carter said abating violating structures could increase neighborhood property values over time.